BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has disclosed that paucity of funds will not hinder June 2026 deadline for the completion of ongoing Abuja-Port Harcourt road project.
This was even as the government expressed satisfaction with the current pace of work, having reached 42 percent completion, at the route expected to enhance mobility and reduce travel time.
Minister of State for Works (HMS), Bello Muhammad Goronyo stated this at the inspection of Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway on Saturday.
He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi and other management staff.
While fielding questions from the media, the minister confirmed that the project constitutes Section I of the contract, which spans 43.65 kilometres on one side and totals 87.3 kilometres for both carriageways.
He maintained that the road corridor is a critical segment of the larger Abuja–Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu–Port Harcourt route designed to stimulate economic activities across the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Rivers States.
Goronyo assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering life-transforming infrastructure that would improve regional connectivity, and enhance the quality of life.
"This is a commendable progress. Our goal is to ensure that the full stretch from Abuja to Port Harcourt is completed by June 2026. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising this critical and life-changing infrastructure that will significantly enhance the national economy and facilitate the movement of goods and services," the minister disclosed.
He promised that funding will not mar the project’s execution, describing it as a priority project under a special funding arrangement.
"Once certified payment claims are submitted, the ministry is ready to process and disburse funds without delay," he stated.
Federal Controller of Works for the FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman, who provided a technical update on the project, pointed out that it featured a two-way six-lane structure with outer shoulders but lacked inner shoulders, which the reconstruction aims to improve for better traffic flow and safety.
He said: "They have done the site clearing, and scarification, while the stone base and binder coarse are at 80% completion. We are also advancing work on the median drains and rigid shoulders."
Acknowledging the challenges posed by high traffic and densely populated areas along the corridor, Usman disclosed that they are partnering with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a free flow of traffic while the project lasted.
He informed that the contractor resorted to working only at night in critical areas to minimise disturbances to public activities during the daytime.
The Project Manager, China Habour Engineering Company (Nig.) Ltd. (CHEC), Mr. Ronald Liao was confident that with the support from the ministry and relevant stakeholders, the company will deliver the project in a record time and according to specifications.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed on Saturday in Abuja.
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